Cold water storage tanks can pose a problem for employers and property managers as they can be difficult to access and maintain
. In order to ensure the continued quality of potable water and to comply with legislation relating to legionella control, it is important to inspect water tanks on a six monthly basis.
The results of routine inspections should be recorded and in the event that there is evidence of silt, biofilm or stagnation it will be necessary to contract a professional company who are able to provide Tank Cleaning services that comply with the government approved code of practice for legionella, ACOP L8 and British Standard BS6700.
Tank cleaning should be carried out:
As a result of a routine inspection
In the event of contamination
Upon commission of a new water system
Following a case or suspected case of Legionnaire's Disease
Annually where water is used for drinking
The process of Tank Cleaning involves:
1.Draining the water from the tank
2.Physically cleaning the surfaces to remove biofilm
3.Vacuuming to remove all silt and debris
4.Re-filling the tank with water and adding a disinfectant
5.Neutralising the disinfectant following the required contact time
6.Refilling the tank with fresh water and re-commissioning the system
Due to the nature of the Tank Cleaning works it is important to ensure that health and safety considerations are of the highest priority so that no site personnel are exposed to dangerous chemicals.
Cold water storage tanks can pose a problem for employers and property managers as they can be difficult to access and maintain.